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(11) | EP 2 999 073 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | SPACER FOR A JUNCTION BLOCK FOR BUSBARS AND JUNCTION BLOCK COMPRISING SAID SPACER |
| (57) The present invention refers to a spacer (3) for a junction block (1) of the type
used in electrically connecting busbars and comprising a plurality of conductive plates
(2), isolated from each other, stacked between two side walls (4) and through which
a clamping bolt (5) passes, in which the spacer comprises at least one elongate element
(6) having a plurality of projections (7) extending from one same side of the elongate
element (6) for separating and supporting the conductive plates (2), and comprising
attaching/releasing means (8) for association/removal of the elongate element (6)
with/from the junction block (1).
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Technical field
[0001] In its most general aspect, the present invention refers to the sector of prefabricated electrical conduits, and it particularly concerns a spacer for a junction block comprising a plurality of conductive plates of the type used in electrically connecting busbars.
[0002] The invention also concerns a junction block for busbars of the above-mentioned type and comprising a spacer for separating and supporting the conductive plates of the junction block.
State of the art
[0003] As is known, in the field of prefabricated electrical conduits, the formation of an unbroken electrical path along a desired circuit is realized through the connection of a number of conductive elements, which are also known as busbars, and which comprise conductor bars that extend within a casing.
[0004] In particular, the busbars are consecutively joined to each other by means of electrical junction blocks that comprise electrical conductors, such as copper plates, interposed between the conductor bars of two contiguous busbars, and that are mechanically clamped in a stack by means of a lock bolt that passes transversely in the junction block and ensures close contact between the conductor bars of the busbars and the plates of the respective junction box.
[0005] The connection of the busbars by means of junction blocks is generally realized in the course of the installation of the prefabricated electrical conduit, and therefore at a construction site.
[0006] In further detail, for installation of the prefabricated electrical conduit, and thus for the electrical connection of the busbars, the lock bolt for locking the junction blocks must be loosened to insert the respective conductive plates between the splayed ends of the conductor bars of two busbars, with the drawback that those same conductive plates tilt or become stuck, making their insertion between the conductor bars difficult.
[0007] Realization of the electrical connection between busbars by means of junction blocks is made more difficult by the unfavourable working conditions commonly experienced at a construction site for the installation of prefabricated electrical conduits, including for example uncomfortable positions for workers who are carrying out the electrical connection.
[0008] As a result, the need to have available junction blocks for the electrical connection of busbars that enable easy installation of prefabricated electrical conduits is still substantially not met.
Summary of the invention
[0009] The present invention provides means for easy installation of a prefabricated electrical conduit, particularly means having structural and functional characteristics that are such as to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art and such as to enable a simplified electrical connection between contiguous busbars of a prefabricated electrical conduit.
[0010] Within the scope of certain embodiments, the present invention refers to a spacer for a junction block for busbars, and comprising at least one elongate element having a plurality of projections extending to preset distances one from the other from one same side of the at least one elongate element, and comprising attaching/releasing means (8) for association/removal of the at least one elongate element with/from the above-mentioned junction block.
[0011] Said plurality of projections of the elongate element is preferably configured to be interposed between a plurality of conductive plates of the junction block.
[0012] Said plurality of projections of the elongate element is preferably configured to keep a plurality of conductive plates of the junction block separated.
[0013] Each projection of said plurality of projections is preferably configured to be inserted between a respective pair of adjacent conductive plates of the junction block.
[0014] The projections of said plurality of projections are preferably configured to be inserted in spaces, between adjacent conductive plates and designed to house, once the junction block has been installed, the conductor bars of a pair of contiguous busbars, in such a manner as to keep the conductive plates of the junction block separated and supported at the same time.
[0015] Each projection of said plurality of projections is preferably configured to be inserted in a respective space, between two respective adjacent conductive plates and designed to house, once the junction block has been installed, corresponding conductor bars of a pair of contiguous busbars, in such a manner as to keep said two respective adjacent conductive plates of the junction block separated and supported at the same time.
[0016] The projections of said plurality of projections are preferably shaped in the form of a tooth or a thin plate or a wall or a separating baffle or a protrusion.
[0017] Said plurality of projections is preferably shaped in the form of a comb or rack emerging from said same side of the elongate element.
[0018] The projections of said plurality of projections are preferably located in positions that are equidistant from each other along the elongate element.
[0021] The elongate element preferably has a longitudinal direction of extension and said projections extend in directions perpendicular to said longitudinal direction of extension.
[0022] Said plurality of projections preferably comprises a number of projections equal to the number of spaces between adjacent conductive plates, that is, equal to the number of conductor bars of the busbars that the junction block will be connecting.
[0023] In a possible embodiment, said plurality of projections comprises a number of projections equal to the number of conductive plates of the junction block minus one.
[0024] In a further possible embodiment, sad plurality of projections comprises a number of projections equal to the number of conductive plates of the junction block plus one, in which the external projections, at the end portions of the elongate element, are configured to be interposed between an external plate and a side wall of the junction block.
[0025] Preferably, starting from said side of the elongate element, the projections extend for a length that exceeds by 1/4 or by 1/3 or by 1/2 of the depth of the space between the conductive plates.
[0026] The elongate element is preferably configured to be associated with a junction block, with the projections interposed between the conductor bars of the junction block, when the junction block is not mounted to a pair of busbars, and to be removed and moved away from the junction block when the junction block is mounted to, and connects, a pair of busbars. Preferably, the elongate element is removably associated with a junction block.
[0027] The above-mentioned attaching/releasing means preferably comprises at least one tooth-shaped element extending from the same side as the above-mentioned plurality of projections at an end portion of the above-mentioned at least one elongate element, more preferably two tooth-shaped elements provided at opposite end portions of the above-mentioned at least one elongate element.
[0028] In accordance with the invention, the above-mentioned attaching/releasing means, therefore the at least one tooth-shaped element, is realized as an integral piece with the at least one elongate element, or it is associated, possibly removably, with the at least one elongate element.
[0029] The above-mentioned spacer preferably also comprises a control means cooperating with the above-mentioned attaching/releasing means, preferably comprising at least one stepped portion afforded at one end of the above-mentioned at least one elongate element, and by means of this portion, when the user exerts a certain pressure, it is possible to achieve a slight bending of the at least one elongate element and/or the at least one tooth-shaped element, with relative release from the above-mentioned junction block.
[0030] The above-mentioned at least one elongate element preferably has an essentially flat back side opposite the above-mentioned plurality of projections.
[0031] The above-mentioned spacer preferably comprises two opposite elongate elements of the above-mentioned type, more preferably they are connected with each other, and yet more preferably they are removably constrained to each other.
[0032] Preferably, for the connection between the above-mentioned two elongate elements, the above-mentioned spacer comprises a connecting element, advantageously of a belt type, associated with each one of the above-mentioned elongate elements; however, this does not exclude the possibility of providing a connecting element of a belt type also in a spacer according to the invention comprising only one elongate element of the type considered hereinabove, particularly an elongate element constrained to the belt and thus to the above-mentioned connecting element.
[0033] Preferably, at least one and more preferably each one of the above-mentioned two elongate elements comprises at least a first pair of slots for passage of the above-mentioned connecting element and more preferably it also comprises a second pair of slots for passage of the above-mentioned connecting element, in which the first and the second pair of slots are preferably arranged at end portions of the elongate elements.
[0034] The above-mentioned connecting element preferably comprises a first portion comprised between, and closed around, the two elongate elements, and a second gripping portion extending, with respect to a first elongate element of the two elongate elements, on the opposite side of the above-mentioned first portion, for transport of the junction block.
[0035] The above-mentioned first portion and the above-mentioned second portion of the connecting element are preferably constrained to each other.
[0036] The above-mentioned spacer preferably comprises a safety element associated with the above-mentioned connecting element, more preferably associated with the above-mentioned first portion of the connecting element, and more preferably a safety element comprising closure means for tamper-proof closure of the safety element and thus of the above-mentioned first portion of the connecting element.
[0037] Within the scope of other embodiments, the present invention refers to a junction block for electrically connecting busbars, and comprising a plurality of conductive plates, isolated from each other, stacked between two side walls and through which a clamping bolt passes, and further comprising a spacer of the above-mentioned type for separating and supporting the conductive plates, in which preferably at least one of the above-mentioned sidewalls has at least one bent edge and in which the above-mentioned attaching/releasing means of the above-mentioned spacer cooperates with the above-mentioned bent edge, that is to say preferably in which the above-mentioned at least one tooth-shaped element engages the above-mentioned bent edge.
[0038] The above-mentioned at least one bent edge preferably has a recess, preferably arranged in a middle position on it for housing the above-mentioned at least one tooth-shaped element.
Brief description of the figures
[0039] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will result to be clearer from an examination of the following detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment illustrated by way of approximate and non-limiting example, with the support of the enclosed drawings, of which:
- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a junction block for busbars which comprises a plurality of conductive plates and a spacer for separating the conductive plates, in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a front view, in separate parts, of the junction block with the spacer of Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a further perspective view, in separate parts, of the junction block with the spacer of Figure 1;
- Figure 4 is a front view of a detail of the junction block with the spacer of Figure 1, with a further detail that is enlarged.
Detailed description of the invention
[0040] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, number 1 indicates, in its entirety, a junction block for electrically connecting busbars of the type equipped with a plurality of conductive plates 2 and comprising a spacer 3 for separating and supporting the conductive plates 2, in accordance with the present invention.
[0041] In further detail, the conductive plates 2 are isolated from each other and stacked between two side walls 4 and in the use of the junction block 1, that is to say in electrically connecting the busbars, said plates are interposed between conductor bars of two contiguous busbars.
[0042] The junction block 1 further comprises a lock bolt 5 that passes transversely in it, and therefore in the conductive plates 2 and in the side walls 4, and it serves to clamp the conductive plates 2 together, without any clearance and again, in the use of the present junction block, it serves to ensure close contact between the conductive plates 2 and the conductor bars of the busbars.
[0043] In accordance with the examples appearing in the figures, the spacer 3 comprises a pair of elongate elements 6, each of which comprising a plurality of tooth-like projections 7 arranged on one same side of the respective elongate element 6.
[0044] In particular, the spacer 3 comprises an upper elongate element and a lower elongate element, oppositely arranged at the respective ends of the junction block 1.
[0045] In accordance with the invention, each one of the elongate elements 6 comprises attaching/releasing means 8 for associating the spacer 3 with the junction block 1 and for removing it.
[0046] Advantageously, in each one of the elongate elements 6, the attaching/releasing means 8 takes on the form of a pair of tooth-shaped elements extending from the same side as the plurality of projections 7 at opposite end portions of the respective elongate element 6.
[0047] Once again, the attaching/releasing means 8 and thus the tooth-shaped elements, can be realized as an integral piece with the respective elongate elements 6, or it can be associated, possibly removably, with the elongate elements; in any case, the attaching/releasing means 8 of the spacer 3 is apt for cooperating with the side walls 4 of the junction block 1.
[0048] In this regard, each side wall 4 has opposite upper and lower bent edges 9 engaged by the attaching/releasing means 8 and thus by the tooth-shaped elements, each bent edge 9 having a respective recess advantageously arranged in a middle position on the bent edge 9 to facilitate attachment and release of a respective tooth-shaped element.
[0049] In particular, to activate the attaching/releasing means 8, the spacer 3 further comprises control means 11, which, advantageously, in accordance with the examples appearing in the figures, take on the form of a stepped portion afforded at the opposite ends of each one of the elongate elements 6, and by means of said portion, when the user exerts a certain pressure, it is possible to achieve a slight bending of the same elongate elements 6, or of the tooth-shaped elements, with resulting release from the side walls 4 of the junction block 1.
[0050] Again, as regards the elongate elements 6 of the spacer 3, it should be added that each elongate element 6 comprises an essentially flat underside 12 opposite the plurality of projections 7, and that in accordance with the invention, the two elongate elements 6 are connected to each other by a connecting element 13 that is advantageously of a belt type.
[0051] More specifically, for the connection with the connecting element 13, each one of the elongate elements 6 comprises two pairs of slots, and in particular a first pair of slots 14 and a second pair of slots 15 arranged at respective end portions of the elongate elements 6 and that are engaged by the connecting element 13. In particular, the connecting element 13 comprises a first portion 16 essentially comprised between, and closed around, the two elongate elements 6, and a second gripping portion 17 extending, with respect to the upper elongate element on the opposite side of the first portion 16, the second gripping portion 17 also being closed so as to form a handle of sorts, for transport of the junction block 1.
[0052] In accordance with the examples appearing in the figures, the first portion 16 and the second portion 17 of the connecting element 13 are constrained to each other.
[0053] Again, as regards the spacer 3, it should be added that in accordance with the invention, it comprises a safety element 18 associated with the connecting element 13, particularly associated with the first closure portion 16 of the connecting element 13.
[0054] The safety element 18 advantageously comprises closure means for tamper-proof closure of the first portion 16 of the safety element 18, and therefore for the closure of the belt portion that connects the elongate elements 6 of the spacer 3 and that essentially envelops the conductive plates 2 and the side walls 4 of the junction block 1.
[0055] Tamper-proof closure means that after the first opening of the safety element and thus of the closure means, the initial state of the latter can no longer be restored, and as a result the belt and particularly the first portion of the connecting element remain open.
[0056] Therefore, in accordance with the invention, the present spacer not only makes it possible to keep the conductive plates of the junction block separated and supported at the same time, particularly in the course of electrically connecting the busbars, but owing to the connecting element it further constitutes a gripping and transport means for the junction block, while also constituting a safety means for checking the intactness of the junction block, and in particular it also represents a sort of anti-theft device for preventing, or signalling, the theft of even just one conductive plate of a junction block.
[0057] In fact, as is known, the conductive plates of the junction blocks of busbars are copper plates and therefore they are of some value and are often stolen, particularly in environments where meticulous monitoring, or in any case efficient and constant surveillance is difficult, as in the case of construction sites where they are being installed.
[0058] The advantages of the present invention, which already appear evident in the description reported hereinabove, can be summarized by observing that a means is made available for easy installation of a prefabricated electrical conduit, and particularly a spacer for a junction block for busbars, and a junction block comprising the spacer, which enable a simplified electrical connection of continuous busbars of a prefabricated electrical conduit.
1. A spacer (3) for a junction block (1) for busbars, the junction block having a plurality
of conductive plates (2) isolated from each other and stacked between two side walls
(4), the spacer comprising at least one elongate element (6) provided with a plurality
of projections (7), extending from one same side of said at least one elongate element
(6), and provided with attaching/releasing means (8) for association/removal of said
at least one elongate element (6) with/from said junction block (1).
2. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of projections of the elongate
element is configured to be interposed between, and keep separated, said plurality
of conductive plates of the junction block.
3. The spacer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each projection of said plurality of
projections is configured to be inserted between two adjacent conductive plates of
the junction block and/or wherein the projections of said plurality of projections
are configured to be inserted in spaces, between adjacent conductive plates, destined
to house, once the junction block has been installed, the conductor bars of a pair
of contiguous busbars, in such a manner as to keep the conductive plates of the junction
block separated and supported at the same time.
4. The spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projections of
said plurality of projections are shaped in the form of a tooth or a thin plate or
a wall or a separating baffle or a protrusion.
5. The spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of
projections is shaped in the form of a comb or rack emerging from said same side of
the elongate element, and/or wherein the projections are parallel to each other.
6. The spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of
projections comprises a number of projections equal to the number of spaces between
adjacent conductive plates, that is, equal to the number of conductor bars of the
busbars that the junction block will be connecting.
7. The spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate element
is configured to be associated with a junction block, with the projections interposed
between the conductor bars of the junction block, when the junction block is not mounted
to a pair of busbars, and to be removed and moved away from the junction block when
the junction block is mounted to, and connects, a pair of busbars.
8. The spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said attaching/releasing
means (8) comprises at least one tooth-shaped element extending from the same side
as said plurality of projections (7) at an end portion of said at least one elongate
element (6), and/or wherein the spacer comprises two tooth-shaped elements extending
from the same side as said plurality of projections (7) and arranged at opposite end
portions of said at least one elongate element (6).
9. The spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising control means
(11) cooperating with said attaching/releasing means (8), including at least one stepped
portion afforded at one end of said at least one elongate element (6).
10. The spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two opposite elongate
elements (6) and a connecting element (13) for the connection between said two elongate
elements (6).
11. The spacer according to claim 10, wherein said connecting element (13) comprises a
first portion (16) essentially comprised between, and closed around, said two elongate
elements (6), and a second gripping portion (17) extending, with respect to a first
elongate element of said two elongate elements (6), on the opposite side of said first
portion (16).
12. The spacer according to claim 11, comprising a safety element (18) associated with
said first portion (16) of said connecting element (13), wherein said safety element
comprises closure means for closure of said connecting element (13).
13. A junction block (1) for electrically connecting busbars, comprising a plurality of
conductive plates (2), isolated from each other, stacked between two side walls (4)
and through which a clamping bolt (5) passes, and further comprising a spacer (6)
according to any one of the preceding claims.
14. The junction block according to claim 13, wherein at least one of said side walls
(4) has at least one bent edge (9) cooperating with said attaching/releasing means
(8) of said spacer (6).
15. The junction block according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said at least one bent edge
(9) has a recess (10), preferably arranged in a middle position on said bent edge
(9).